TDA Rum wrote:Apparently Mr. Zach Kassian has lost 20 pounds since the end of last season....

What's your source? Not doubting you but Gillis referenced the fact they're monitoring his progress this offseason and are optimistic about his chances this season. Would just like to get more info on it. Is he losing baby fat, transferring muscle mass, or just losing muscle? Will he be quicker and fitter as a result?

TDA Rum wrote:Apparently Mr. Zach Kassian has lost 20 pounds since the end of last season....

And why not? The Canucks' fitness regimen worked wonders for Steve Bernier.

Bernier's problem wasn't his waistline, but between his ears. The guy just couldn't unfreeze himself to capitalize on his glorious opportunities. Whether Kassian has the same problem, I guess we'll find out.

It seems most players we pick up have to go through this training curve to get into Canuck shape. There are exceptions of course, Samuellson, Hamhuis, Ehrhoff.

Part of it is the young kids, part of it is the perennial 3rd and 4th liners. What does this say about other teams , their culture and attitude?

But good for Kassian to stick to the program. It seems this is what he needed and this is one good thing MG has brought to the organization. A true development and training plan for each player.

He really was Gassian with us so I hope we see a much improved version to start the season. He has an opportunity to play top 6 minutes if he works for it. How great would that be to finally see a power forward in the top six.

Lol... remember seeing that picture of Cory Schneider from a couple years back and the chubby baby face? Lets face it, the NHL standard on fitness are beyond the AHL and the Canucks are pretty intense fitness wise even for the NHL. Kassian becoming a leaner, meaner, faster machine is an excellent step for this young guy. Gillies in on the 1040 website saying he thinks the Kaz could be a top 6.

Hockey Widow wrote:But good for Kassian to stick to the program. It seems this is what he needed and this is one good thing MG has brought to the organization. A true development and training plan for each player.

I wonder if that is part of the MoneyPuck philosophy? Identify players who not thriving in their environment, perhaps underachieving but very fixable.

Then again, what kind of organization would be ignoring the level of fitness or unhealthy habits of their prospects?

Rayxor wrote:I wonder if that is part of the MoneyPuck philosophy? Identify players who not thriving in their environment, perhaps underachieving but very fixable.

It's part of the NHL philosophy, and it's how GM's try to get value in trades. That's why you hear the tired old "we think he needed a change of scenery" cliche still thrown around. Sometimes it's true, most often it's just trying to put lipstick on a pig.

The MoneyPuck philosophy is to be arrogant about your organization's fitness programme and how it's going to have a huge effect on "undervalued" studs like Wellwood, O'Brien, Bernier and Oreskovich. Oh, and now Kassian.

Kassian is a naturally big guy who doesn't look like he got big in the gym. Even in his draft year he was around 210 pounds and he likely spent the past two years trying to fill out even more. I won't be surprised if Kassian was playing at over 230 pounds at some point last season. It can't hurt to have Kassian come in at a slimmer 210-220 pounds and be quicker.

CaptainTrev wrote:

Rayxor wrote:I wonder if that is part of the MoneyPuck philosophy? Identify players who not thriving in their environment, perhaps underachieving but very fixable.

The MoneyPuck philosophy is to be arrogant about your organization's fitness programme and how it's going to have a huge effect on "undervalued" studs like Wellwood, O'Brien, Bernier and Oreskovich. Oh, and now Kassian.

I think the MoneyPuck philosophy is to identify undervalued players in the marketplace. As Gillis said, if Kassian turns into the player Gillis thinks he can become, Kassian is the type of player that is almost impossible to get. That's not to say Kassian was undervalued in terms of what it cost to get him. But if Kassian can become a 20-25 goal 50-60 point player while being a big, physical force, he's likely going to be worth more in trade than a small 60 point centreman. Gillis clearly wants a big, fast, and skilled team and we'll see if the players Gillis drafted/acquired pan out.

FAN wrote:Kassian is a naturally big guy who doesn't look like he got big in the gym. Even in his draft year he was around 210 pounds and he likely spent the past two years trying to fill out even more. I won't be surprised if Kassian was playing at over 230 pounds at some point last season. It can't hurt to have Kassian come in at a slimmer 210-220 pounds and be quicker.

I heard he was 235lbs by the end of last season.

It'll be interesting to see what a fit Kassian can do.

FAN wrote:As Gillis said, if Kassian turns into the player Gillis thinks he can become, Kassian is the type of player that is almost impossible to get.